How to Enroll
All enrollment changes are to be made through Employee Self Service (ESS). You can access ESS through PeopleSoft at https://ess.dc.gov on your work computer or any computer with an internet connection.
The following benefits are not available through ESS. Please see the corresponding links for enrollment information.
Enrollment Resources
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DC Employee Benefits Guide
This guide provides comprehensive information about your benefits as a DC Government employee.
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How to Enroll Guide
Step-by-step instructions with screenshots on how to enroll in your DC Government benefits through Employee Self Service (ESS).
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DC Government Benefits Enrollment Checklist
Takes you through each action item in the enrollment process to ensure your enrollment is complete to the best of your ability.
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Step-by-step instructions for adding and/or changing beneficiaries to applicable DC Government benefits.
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Illustrated one-page guide to help employees make sense of their paycheck.
Qualified Life Events
Please Note: Outside of initial hire or regular Open Enrollment period, you can only change your benefits if you experience a qualified life event.
Qualified life events include:
- Marriage, divorce or legal separation
- Birth or adoption
- A dependent that becomes ineligible for coverage
- Death of your dependent
- Loss/gain of coverage elsewhere for employee or spouse/domestic partner
- Change in work status for you or your spouse/domestic partner
Dependent Eligibility Verification
If you add family members to your coverage, you are required to provide documentation to verify coverage eligibility for the dependents that you add during the Open Enrollment process. When you enroll online, you must also submit dependent eligibility verification. Failure to comply will result in a cancelation of health care coverage for that dependent.